The Caspian Policy Center (CPC) organized a conference titled “A New and Expanded Central Asia: Next Steps for Trans-Caspian Growth” in Washington, the U.S.
Moderated by Eric Rudenshiold, Senior Fellow for Caspian Affairs of CPC, the conference brought together American diplomats, experts, academics, and business leaders.
Khazar Ibrahim, Azerbaijani Ambassador to U.S.; Magzhan Ilyassov, Kazakhtan’s Ambassador to U.S.; Furqat Sidiqov, Uzbekistani Ambassador to U.S. delivered speech at the event.
Efgan Nifti, CPC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), highlighted the future trajectory of the C6 format. Highlighting the significant progress in recent years, Efgan Nifti said: “The regional cooperation, which seemed impossible a few years ago, has now become more systematic and regular. Azerbaijan’s official integration into the framework of the Central Asia Consultative Meetings at the Tashkent Summit is a testament to deepening cooperation among the Caspian littoral states.”
Erik Rudenshiold touched upon the shifting geopolitical landscape of the region, stating that although Central Asia and the South Caucasus had long been regarded as secondary geopolitical areas, that stage is now behind us.
Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim underscored the role of regional unity in shaping the future of the C6 format. According to the Azerbaijani Ambassador, despite Azerbaijan’s recent official integration into the C6 bloc, the six countries have been closely collaborating for many years.
Kazakh Ambassador Magzhan Ilyassov emphasized the significance of transforming the C5 into the C6, describing Azerbaijan’s full-fledged participation as a historic milestone.
Noting that Kazakhstan has actively supported this process, Magzhan Ilyassov added: “The C6 format, involving Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, together with the Middle Corridor, is not a geopolitical slogan: “These are practical development strategies that serve the interests of our peoples and create tangible opportunities for U.S. partners.”
Furqat Sidiqov, Uzbek Ambassador, hailed the strengthening of U.S.–Central Asia relations, underlining that the U.S. leadership acknowledged the overall strategic importance of the region at the recent C5+1 meeting in Washington.
Furqat Sidiqov also mentioned the significant role of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in advancing regional partnerships, emphasizing the growing interest of the U.S in the Middle Corridor, especially in terms of transporting investments to the critical minerals sector.
The event concluded with a Q&A session.
Malahat Najafova
Special correspondent
